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"It's great to be able to play at home and to know your friends and family can watch," Venus said. "It really helps and it's such a rarity to play at home. I think it can really give you a good advantage."

For Statham, 24, taking on a player who has been inside the top 40 in his career is a big challenge but one he's looking forward to.

"It doesn't really matter who plays first - we're pretty easy with it. I've played him (Istomin) twice before now ... maybe it's third time lucky. I've learnt a lot and have a good strategy in place and have studied his matches," Statham said.

"The way I see it world rankings go out the window once you step on the court to play for your country. This is my 17th tie for New Zealand I've got a good record and I have pride playing for my country."

Statham is picked ahead of Artem Sitak who has the better ATP ranking, but less experience in Davis Cup.

Meanwhile, Uzbek No 1 Istomin struck a relaxed note about the contest.

"This is a different story playing for the country in best of five set matches. I will try to do my best and get the point for my country. It won't be easy, but I think we do it," he said.

In the doubles on Saturday, New Zealand have chosen Venus and Dan King-Turner, who had success at this year's Heineken Open and at a challenger event in Honolulu. Uzbekistan have chosen Istomin and Dustov, however combinations can be changed until an hour before play.